DryFlySam Loc: Key Biscayne

I am trying to learn to catch bone fish on a fly on the flats. My skill level is intermediate. I have caught around two dozen bone fish in the last 4 years. Can anyone suggest a few different flies to try? Please include name, size, where to buy them online and a photo, if possible.

I like to make my own leaders. Any suggestions would be appreciated as to the type of material, line to leader knot, leader section lengths, tippet type and length and all knots along the way, including a loop knot to hook.

Finally, what is the best way/tool to bend down the barb. Some hooks have a curve just opposite the barb, and the steel there is very thin. How do you flatten the barb without weakening the hook?

Thanks for any advice you feel like sharing.

Raw Dawg Ron Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

Bone fish heaven! Not really a fly fisherman, just tryed tarpon with a cockroach fly! Any fly that looks like a glass minnow should work great! Slightly purple shade with thin silver strip/lateral line. Check out The Redbone tournament weight in and observe what the tournament guides are using?

DryFlySam Loc: Key Biscayne

Raw Dawg Ron,

Thanks for the tips. I'll check em out.

Chief Bruce

Re barb bending. If you tie flies just use tge vise to pinch the barb. If no vice try any pliers but point the hook towards tge pliers handle to pinch. Ie parallel. Placing the pliers perpendicular to the hook may bend/break the hook.

Regarding fly type I can tell you what just worked for me in Cuba but first I’d learn what food is available to bones at your fishing location then have flies that match. In other words if they eat lots of shrimp versus mantis crabs. Match the hatch. kind of...

DryFlySam Loc: Key Biscayne

Chief Bruce,

Thanks for the advice. We have both shrimp and crabs (several types) on the flats.